Here’s why no one should question the Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson pick

The Detroit Lions look like geniuses for rushing in their card at the 2022 NFL Draft to select defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

The Detroit Lions were no strangers to selecting near the top of the NFL Draft, due in part to their records. Now, the team is 7-7 on the season and in the hunt for an NFC Wild Card berth after starting off the year 1-6. The team is clicking in head coach Dan Campbell’s second year at the helm, and the young players are coming along.

One of those young players that are shining this season is the second-overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft — defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit detailed Hutchinson’s recent Pro Football Focus grades, including his 83.4 score in the team’s 20-17 win over the New York Jets this past week. In fact, Hutchinson’s PFF score of 89.5 since Week 11 ranks fourth among all edge rushers in the NFL.

Aidan Hutchinson proving to be Lions star for years to come

Entering the 2022 NFL Draft, Hutchinson was considered one of the favorites to be selected first-overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ultimately, the AFC South team opted to select Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker. The Lions wasted no time, handing in their card as quickly as possible to keep Hutchinson in Michigan.

The impact Hutchinson has made on the defense was immediate, as he leads the team with seven sacks on the year and tied for first with linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez for tackles for loss with seven.

In the aforementioned game against the Jets in Week 15, Hutchinson recorded four solo tackles, one assisted tackle, and one tackle for loss.

Take a look at some of the performances Hutchinson had in the team’s three wins from Week 11 until 14.

• Week 11 vs. New York Giants: one solo tackle, two assisted tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception
• Week 13 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: one solo tackle, one assisted tackle, one quarterback hit, 0.5 sacks
• Week 14 vs. Minnesota Vikings: two solo tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one sack

It may have been just 14 games, but Hutchinson is giving Lions fans a lot to be excited about. But that can grow, especially if the Lions are able to clinch their first playoff berth since 2016 in the final three weeks of the season.